Trump Addresses UN General Assembly, Criticizes Iran and Highlights US Strengths

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The session, chaired by Bangladeshi diplomat Halilur Rahman, will run until September 26, with additional meetings on September 28. The theme for this year's assembly is "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: The United Nations Working for the Common Good." Rahman emphasized the need to prepare the UN for future challenges, noting a "deficit of trust" and the necessity for the organization to evolve.

Following opening remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, U.S. President Donald Trump took the floor. Trump began by asserting that the United States is "stronger than ever before" and a global leader, citing achievements in the military, energy, and economy. He particularly highlighted his administration's policies as responsible for economic successes and claimed that U.S. borders were made "the safest" and "closed to illegal migrants," with a resulting decrease in crime rates.

Trump declared the U.S. was entering a "golden age" and that the world was inspired by its power and wealth. He then addressed international peace efforts and the "Iranian threat," describing Iran's role in the Middle East as "destructive" and reiterating his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He mentioned offering negotiations to Iran, which were rejected, leading to military action.

Addressing European nations, Trump urged them to "recognize the danger posed by Iran." He then drew parallels between the recent 25th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the U.S. and the upcoming third anniversary of the October 7th attack in Israel, where he stated "Iran-backed terrorists" killed 1,200 civilians, including Americans. He condemned the Iranian regime's actions, including the killing of its own citizens, and warned against the possibility of such a regime obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump thanked the UN Security Council for adopting a resolution condemning Iran's attacks on shipping, noting it received unprecedented support from UN member states. He concluded by stating the U.S. would no longer tolerate threats to its interests in the Western Hemisphere and would use its military power if necessary to protect vital U.S. national interests.